This family game of darts has entertained many an overly energetic child. I remember my daughter and my son in their youth playing with this set, as well as my grandchildren, or anybody waiting impatiently for a Christmas pageant to begin, or the food to be served at family gatherings.

History: Darts originated in England during the reign of Henry VIII, and Anne Boleyn even gave her king an expensive set to win his favor, but the game evolved in the English pubs. No doubt the darts were shortened arrows and kept the king’s archers’ skills sharp during the harsh winter months when training was delayed. The first dart board was probably the end of a barrel, known as a butt, or the French archery term “butte” meaning target.